Free night on weekly cabin rentals

Rent a state park or forest cabin for a week and get the seventh night free! Deal may not be combined with other promos or discounts and cannot be used on cabins operated by Canaan Valley or Stonewall resorts. Use code WEEK when you book online.

Greenbrier River Trail

Marlinton,
West Virginia

About This Park

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas. The Greenbrier River Trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the United States, and was rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country by Backpacker Magazine. Part of the Greenbrier River Trail lies within a National Radio Quiet Zone so cell phones do not work.

Fishing

For most of its length, the trail closely follows the Greenbrier River, where swimming and fishing opportunities are plentiful. A West Virginia fishing license is required to fish the Greenbrier River. Camping along the trail is popular, but permitted only in designated areas.

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History

The Greenbrier River Trail was once part of the famous Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and was used to carry timber and serve tanneries and other local businesses in the Greenbrier Valley. As the economy changed and the timber industry declined, the line was abandoned during the late 1970s. The tracks were removed in 1979, and the land was donated to the state of West Virginia. The abandoned rail bed was converted to a rail trail operated by the Parks and Recreation Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Additional Information

Trails

The Greenbrier River Trail runs parallel to the Greenbrier River, from the town of Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Visitors may access the trail at numerous points along the way.

Nearby Attractions

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Located in the historic town of Cass, the Cass Scenic Railroad transports passengers on a vintage locomotive to a time when logging was a way of life in Pocahontas County. Restored company buildings have been refurbished and are available for overnight stays in this old logging town.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Come enjoy a place with real American history! This park is the site of the last significant Civil War battle in West Virginia. A museum and reenactment help bring this battle to life in modern times.

Greenbrier State Forest

Seneca State Forest

The oldest state forest in West Virginia, Seneca borders the beautiful Greenbrier River. Visitors can enjoy tent camping or stay in a rustic cabin.

Watoga State Park

Located at about the halfway point of the Greenbrier River Trail, Watoga State Park provides many recreational activities on more than 10,000 acres of land. There’s hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and vacation cabins, open year-round.